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Plymouth’s derelict Civic Centre could be transformed into a block of flats with bars and restaurants on the ground floor, under new plans being worked on by developer Urban Splash.

The Manchester-based company, which bought the 14-storey tower for a nominal £1 in 2016, envisages the former council HQ being turned into 144 “high quality” one- and two-bedroom flats sitting above about 50,000sq ft of commercial space – in other words bars, restaurants, cafes and maybe shops, though there may be some offices too.

Under the outline proposals there would be a roof garden and lounge, with panoramic views for residents only, but with some public access on certain days.

How the Civic Centre could look after being transformed into a block of 144 flats (Image: Penny Cross)

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A 1980s extension on the Theatre Royal side of the block would be demolished and some new glazed units added around the pond, with another at the rear, a staircase down towards the forthcoming Bianca statue and a “pop up” unit in public space, with outdoor seating, created under the tower.

The entire Grade II listed pile will be re-fenestrated, with much more glazing to give the building a “light and airy” look – and, of course, superb views for residents.

And Urban Splash, the firm which is also behind the transformation of the Royal William Yard, is seeking views on its vision now with the aim of submitting full planning and listed building applications this summer.

It is remaining tight-lipped about certain aspects of the development including the exact mix of commercial space and, crucially, how much the project will cost, where the money is coming from – and when it would start and finish work.

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Mr Willetts said the idea is to create “an iconic, focal point for Plymouth.”

He said: “The proposals have advanced through collaboration with Plymouth City Council, Historic England and the 20th Century Society amongst others.

“We have worked with various organisations and professional bodies to ensure we stay true to the heritage of the Civic Centre, while respecting its Listed status.

“It is an important building and deserves real consideration about how to knit it back into the city centre in the best possible way.

“We want to preserve the fabric of the building, and with a structure as iconic and historic as the Civic Centre, we must carefully consider all options before presenting our designs and solutions to the public.

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“The public consultation is an important part of the process, and we are grateful for those who joined us today and shared their feedback; we will carefully consider the feedback and ideas that our proposals have generated.

“This is just the start of a process, but we are excited about the potential and hope to submit the planning application later on in the summer.”

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How a flat could look after the Civic Centre is turned into a block of flats

Urban Splash has just announced it made a £6.5million profit in 2017, and highlighted cash reserves of £17.3million as evidence of its potential to carry out major projects.

It underlined how it had ploughed cash from its own resources into developments including at the Royal William Yard, for instance.

Mr Willetts said it was too early to talk about the cost of the Civic Centre transformation, or where the cash would come from, but did stress: “As a business we are in a healthy position, but how we fund this is too early to say.”